Cannabinoids, CBD Cannabidiol
What is CBD? (Cannabidiol)
Dec
What is CBD? (Cannabidiol)
What is CBD? CBD or Cannabidiol is a naturally occurring chemical compound or ‘cannabinoid’ found in cannabis and hemp plants. Along with CBD, the cannabis plant contains between 70-100 other cannabinoids.
Most people have heard of THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) which is the psychoactive cannabinoid that gets people high. After THC, CBD is the second most abundant cannabinoid and is generally considered to be non-psychoactive.
Cannabinoids function as part of the endocannabinoid system; the body’s complex network of chemical compounds (endocannabinoids) and receptors which are constantly working to bring the body into homeostasis and optimum functioning.
This system regulates everything from mood, memory, the immune system, pain signalling and inflammatory response.
IS CBD CONSIDERED SAFE?
There are a multitude of studies that demonstrate the benefits of cannabidiol in both humans and animals. Most of these studies conclude that CBD is safe to use and has almost no major side effects.
The review paper by the NCBI suggests that Cannabidiol is safe and non toxic and even “high doses” up to 1500 mg/day are well tolerated.
Safety and side effects of cannabidiol – Bergamaschi et al
The paper does goes on to say that some studies reported that this cannabinoid can induce some side effects, including inhibition of hepatic drug metabolism, alterations of in vitro cell viability, decreased fertilization capacity, and decreased activities of p-glycoprotein and other drug transporters.
KNOWN SIDE EFFECTS OF CBD
CBD can interact with other pharmaceuticals
This is because it inhibits the activity of some liver enzymes called cytochrome P450. This family of enzymes metabolizes most of the pharmaceutical drugs used to treat humans. If you are taking pharmaceutical drugs we strongly suggest you discuss these issues with your health professional to discuss any potential complications.
To put these risks into perspective, eating grapefruit has a similar effect on these same liver enzymes.
CBD can cause a dry mouth due to the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in the inhibition of saliva secretion
CBD can cause a slight drop in blood pressure sometimes resulting in a feeling of lightheadedness immediately after taking it. If you are taking any medication for blood pressure please ensure you discuss this with your doctor before taking CBD.
CBD can cause drowsiness when taken in higher doses. You should avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel affected in this way.
CBD can sometimes cause diarrhea
CBD can cause a decreased appetite.
In recent clinical studies, most side effects were described as mild or moderate and went away after some time.
Latest posts by mat g
I have parkinsons & I have tried all the meds for parkinsons but I am allergic to them all or the turn me into a walking talking zombie I am thinking of trying CBD My question! is C.B.D Cannabidiol okay to take or vape if you drive in NSW I’m worried if I try it and get pulled over for a random drug test will it show up in the drug test? I need my licence as I’m a busy Volunteer driving disabled people to their appointments & taking them shopping I also organize large events for the Leukaemia Foundation so it would be the end of my life if I tried it and it shows up on the NSW police random drug testing.
CBD can cause drowsiness in some people. When you first start taking it we would always advise not to drive or operate any machinery until you determine the correct you need to take and how your body responds. This is different for each person due to a variety of factors and due to the biphasic response curve of CBD Cannabidiol.
When you get a drug test they normally use a urine or blood sample and check for the presence of THC (Tetrahyrdocannabinol)
THC-COOH, and THC-11-oic acid are formed in the liver after the body has consumed cannabis and it is these chemicals that are tested when you go for a blood or urine test. THC-COOH doesn’t have much cross reactivity to the other non psychoactive cannabinoids such as CBD (cannabidiol), CBG (cannabigerol) or CBN (cannabinol), which means if you have taken CBD Hemp oil you probably won’t get a positive result on any drug test.
Theoretically it is possible if you are taking very large doses of CBD hemp oil (above 1000-2000mg per day) due to the minute traces of THC that could build up over time.Due to differing body weight, metabolic rate and other lifestyle factors it’s possible that cbd oil containing as little as 0.02% THC could show up in swabs, blood or urinalysis. Users of CBD must determine for themselves if the severity of their condition outweighs this possibility.